Tag Archives: Celtic

The Feast of Beauty by Helen Scott Taylor

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance

Title: The Feast of Beauty
Author: Helen Scott Taylor
In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, The Coast, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Running Press
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: They floated to the ground and her back landed on the soft sand.

Synopsis

Kate thinks that she’s visiting Ireland to fulfill a promise to her Grandmother and film an episode of her show. But what she finds there could be much more.

Thoughts

I really didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this short story. The rest of the stories in The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance have a heavy focus on the past and the days when Celtic beliefs were the primary ways in which to view the world. This tale on the other hand was heavily based in today’s modern world. And although it still featured fae and the same themes occurrent throughout this collection, it was a complete breath of fresh air.

Kate is the kind of woman I can most heavily associate with. There is this vague understanding and feeling of “the other”, but she is still firmly centred in this world. This reality. The struggles of everyday living. She’s also convinced that she has to work her absolute butt off to get where she wants to go in life (who hasn’t heard this mantra?). Yet, it turns out she is intricately connected to the world of the fae, and the beauty in this festival and understandings left me with a really pleased and relaxed smile on my face at the conclusion of this story.

<- QuicksilverCompeer ->

Image source: Goodreads

Quicksilver by Cindy Holby

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Quicksilver

Author: Cindy Holby

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: She shrugged.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When a man pulls a woman from the surf, his life is irreparably changed. The fae woman may be his saviour or his downfall, only time will tell.

Thoughts

I didn’t mind this story, but it was a little slow… and didn’t quite have the same oomph to it as the other short stories in this collection. Man meets woman. Saves woman. Woman could kick his ass. But they end up together. I was expecting an incredibly epic battle. But it really wasn’t all that amazing. He fights, he wins, the end. They ride off into the sunset…

Even the name of this story is a bit misleading, there is nothing quick about it. But that’s not to say that this was a bad tale. It just wasn’t exactly captivating… so a perfect one to read just before bedtime. It’s not going to be impossible to put down, but a nice little story to wile away the time.

 <- Eternal Strife Review The Feast of Beauty Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Eternal Strife by Dara England

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Eternal Strife

Author: Dara England

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Family

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: We would not have one fewer sweet blossom in this meadow than that we already have.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Siobhan wants to save her mother. And everytime she finds an ingredient for a potion, she is forced to make a deal for her life. What will happen when she has to cash in her favours?

Thoughts

This was a fun and easy little story. A girl is going across the countryside in an attempt to save her mother. Every time she finds part of the potion that she needs, she is also forced to make a deal that could put her in possible jeopardy. It’s kind of obvious what trouble she is about to get into throughout, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen at the end of the tale.

I actually quite liked the end of this story. It wasn’t the outcome that I expected. And it took me by surprise. But it was sweet. And quaint. And just an easy, alternative ending to a small journey through the meadows that eventually saved a woman’s life.

 <- The Eternal Warrior Review Quicksilver Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Eternal Warrior by Jenna Maclaine

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Eternal Warrior

Author: Jenna Maclaine

Series: Cin Craven #0.1

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2011

5th sentence, 74th page: But I will never forgive you.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In the dawn of a new millennium, the goddess Morrigan must forge a new race of warriors to protect both Faerie and the human world from an unimaginable evil. This short story is a prequel to the Cin Craven series, first published in The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance.

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from this short story – I just know that I bought The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance because this tale was in it. It is a prequel to the Cin Craven series, and I’ve been hanging out to read the rest of the tales in the series. And I really wasn’t disappointed. This was thoroughly enjoyable, kind of cute and had just the right amount of sass.

Cullen and Morrigan feel like they are setting the scene for a massive battle. But, The Eternal Warrior also just tells their own personal story and highlights the intricacies of all that (I’m assuming) comes before. There is this weird push and pull between the two that I find kind of intriguing – it is obvious how much they care for one another, but there is so much bitterness there, and the extra spice made me kind of sad that the story ended so soon. Now I need to pick up the next Mammoth Book and read The Righteous.

 <- Daughter of the Sea Review Eternal Strife Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Daughter of the Sea by Kathleen Givens

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Daughter of the Sea

Author: Kathleen Givens

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Fantasy, Romance

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: The Queen stood nearby, draped in a long dark cloak, her face pale.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Muirin and Conlan are meant for each other, but her evil stepmother stands in the way. Will Muirin be able to overcome all the obstacles in front of them and finally claim her one true love?

Thoughts

This is such a fun, typical Irish romance story. Alright, it’s a lot shorter than many of the tales that I generally read based in this world. And I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoy every single one of these tales. My background is all based in the UK, and there is something that has always drawn me to Irish and Celtic tales.

Muirin and Conlan are such a sweet couple. And from the very beginning of this tale, it is obvious that there is going to be a very large obstacle put in the way of their love and eventual marriage. And because this is in a collection of romance tales, it is equally obvious that they are going to overcome. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t thoroughly enjoyable. And even after her three tasks are laid out in front of her, it isn’t quite obvious just how these obstacles will be overcome. And it is in this that the journey is fun.

I read this just before curling up for bed, and it was a great way to end the night. I got this beautiful little tale of love and Irish folklore while my partner slumbered next to me. And the combination was pleasant and fun. It also lead to some of the more peaceful and pleasant dreams that I’ve had in a while.

 <- Shifter Made Review The Eternal Warrior Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Shifter Made by Jennifer Ashley

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Shifter Made

Author: Jennifer Ashley

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Fast

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: One of the attendants put his hands on his hips, panting.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A fae woman wants something from a Shifter, and he’ll do anything to protect his cubs. But will they both get what they really want?

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. I have a bit of an obsession with shapeshifters, and the fae. And any kind of romance. So this tale was an absolute perfect fit for me. It featured a fae woman and a cat shifter man. The fact that he is being bribed and his cubs have been stolen just helped to heighten the risks that Niall is forced to face.

Although Niall is the one who is being bribed, it is obvious from the very beginning that his fae counterpart has a hidden agenda all of her own. As their relationship develops it becomes more and more obvious that although she is kin to the bad guy, she certainly isn’t on her side.

Actually, the biggest issue with this is that I loved the world and the history, but it was only a few very short pages. Maybe I will have to hunt out other tales from this author…

 <- Beyond the Veil Review Daughter of the Sea Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Beyond the Veil by Patricia Rice

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Beyond the Veil

Author: Patricia Rice

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: If you wish to save the child, you must do so yourself.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Finn risks everything to save his young son. And Anya is risking everything to save her kingdom. Will they finally find the happiness that they both crave?

Thoughts

I love the idea of a time travelling father working to protect his child. The fact that he also manages to reunite with his soul mate one thousand years after he supposedly died just made everything a lot cuter.

This is one of those stories that I enjoyed, but it wasn’t overly memorable. It was cute, sweet, and thoroughly enjoyable to read. But it wasn’t something that I feel the desperate need to read again and again and again.

 <- Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood Review Shifter Made Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood by Cindy Miles

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood

Author: Cindy Miles

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: What was this strange man about?

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Nia is trying to escape her father’s plan for her future, and in doing so, she might just find her future in the arms of a beast.

Thoughts

I knew from the very beginning that Nia was going to run into the beast and they would fall madly in love. After all, this is a short story in a collection of Irish romance tales. And the title is Nia and the Beast…

Nia is trying to escape her father’s ideas for her future, and the ways in which he is trying to dictate her life. The fact that this is a literal escape made quite an exciting moment of fleeing through the woods. Falling into a trap with the beast that everyone dreads is completely predictable. But it was still so much fun and worked so well.

One of the parts of this story that I absolutely loved is the fact that both Nia and the Beast were not typical ideals of beauty. They are both kind of ugly and scarred – each in their own way. Yet, at the end of the tale, they both found the love that they were looking for.

 <- The Trials of Bryan Murphy Review Beyond the Veil Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Trials of Bryan Murphy by Cat Adams

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Trials of Bryan Murphy

Author: Cat Adams

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Fast

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: Her captor followed her abrupt gaze.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When Bryan’s wife is kidnapped by the fae, he is forced to face three trials to get her back.

Thoughts

If there’s a decent story about the fae, then you can almost guarantee that I’m going to love it. And, this was a very good story about the fae. And romance. And sacrificing everything in the name of love.

Bryan and Bridget have that love that most people desire. The understanding and acceptance of one another at the deepest level. And this ability to completely trust and want to be with one another in spite of all. And it is this drive that helps them to overcome Bryan’s three trials to get back his love. And to face up to the King and Queen of the fae and all of the tricks that they throw in their way.

 <- Oracle Review Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Oracle by Margo Maguire

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Oracle

Author: Margo Maguire

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: It was more vivid than any I’ve ever had.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A future oracle of her people travels to save the world. But she finds herself and her future instead.

Thoughts

I don’t get the obsession with virgins. The idea that a virgin woman (it’s always a woman) has some kind of mythical powers or prowess. It’s not something that’s ever made sense to me, and when I started reading this short story, part of me was going oh god, here we go again. And it was kind of like that… she has to be a virgin to become an oracle. She finds a temptation. But it wasn’t anywhere near as horrifying as I was expecting.

The immediate attachment between the two main characters was fun and potent. Although a little too predictable. The battle that they have to fight, and the storyline, were really well written and developed. Although I didn’t have much of an interest in the romance aspect of this tale (which is kind of new for me), I did like the rest of the story.

 <- The Ballad of Rosamunde Review The Trials of Bryan Murphy Review ->
Image source: Goodreads